Edmund C. Arnold

Edmund C. Arnold, 93, of Brandon Oaks Retirement Community, died February 2, 2007 at Lewis-Gale Hospital. During his long career in journalism he became know as the Father of Modern Newspaper Design for his work in typography, helping newspapers across the U. S. and Canada adopt more modern and readable formats. He was born in Bay City, Michigan and began his journalism career at the Frankenmuth News, where he became co-owner and editor. He also worked for the Saginaw News and Lansing State Journal in Michigan. He moved to New York City in 1954 to become editor of Linotype News, a job in which he became influential as a writer and speaker on newspaper design. He worked with hundreds of newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, the Christian Science Monitor and the Boston Globe. He received the George Polk Memorial Award for his contribution to American journalism through typographic redesign. In 1960 he was named full professor of journalism at Syracuse University, where he headed the graphic arts department and in 1975, took the same position at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. He retired in 1983 but continued his work as a consultant to publications. He wrote 27 books on typography, graphic arts and organizational publications; wrote regular columns for several professional publications; and served as a speaker and workshop leader for thousands of professional and educational groups. He was named to the Virginia Journalism Hall of Fame. He served as a military journalist with the U. S. Army in France and Germany during World War II and in later years was active in the 70th Division Association, editing its quarterly magazine for more than 20 years. HE also was active as a speaker and consultant to many military journalism groups, and was given citations from the Department of Defense for his civilian service. He moved to Roanoke in 1993 and was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. While at Brandon Oaks he made more than 1000 birthday cards for fellow residents. He and his wife traveled the world and visited five continents, most often on ocean liners or cargo ships. Survivors include his wife, Viola, to whom he was married for 65 years; children, Kathleen Loomis of Louisville, Ken., Bethany Uhl of Roanoke and Bruce Arnold of Sydney, Australia; grandchildren, Matthew and Stephen Loomis, Allison Hayes, Mark Record and Robert Arnold; sons-in-law, Kenneth Loomis and Harold Uhl; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Fox; grandson-in-law, Andrew Hayes and granddaughter in-law, Erica Record. A memorial service will be held at Brandon Oaks Retirement Community 2 p.m. Tuesday. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Tim Anderson of St. Mark's and the Rev. Bob Ward of Brandon Oaks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandon Oaks Endowment Fund. Lotz Roanoke Chapel is handling arrangements, 982-1001.